Premarital, Relationship & Cohabitation Agreements

Written agreements can be used to define the financial aspects of a relationship so that the emotional aspect can flourish. Patsy brings to these discussions more than thirty-seven years of experience as a mediator and estate planner. Her goal is to help clients balance partnership and protection, to be sure they know the laws that will apply without an agreement, and to assist in creating the financial rules for the relationship.

Although Patsy can work with just one member of the couple to either draft or review an agreement, she prefers to work with both members of the couple as a mediator. The process of mediation allows clients to share goals and concerns with the help of an experienced facilitator, to receive information about the law together, and apply that legal information to your situation while you are together.

Patsy will be sure that adequate disclosure has occurred so that your Agreement will be binding in the future, and is based on knowledge of both the facts and the law.

Unmarried couples do not have the protections of community property and intestacy laws (unless they are registered domestic partners). A Will or Trust will ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of death. Powers of Attorney are essential so that the person you choose will make decisions about your financial affairs and health decisions in the event of your inability to do so.